Chris Schiavone of Ohio was struck by lightning during a storm on a golf course earlier this week. The incident was captured on video as Schiavone filmed friends packing up a golf cart during heavy rain. He was in his own golf cart under an umbrella when a lightning bolt struck, illuminating his phone screen. The video shows Schiavone immediately stop laughing and appear to drop his phone following the strike.
Schiavone shared the video online, describing the event as a "one in a 1,000,000" occurrence and stating he felt "very lucky and blessed." He clarified that he was standing behind the golf cart and the umbrella was in the bag, not in his hand. The video garnered over 60,000 likes on Instagram.
Following the strike, Schiavone reported suffering minor injuries to his arm but is recovering. The incident prompted online comments questioning the decision to remain on the golf course during a storm, with many citing safety advice that warns against sheltering under trees or in golf carts during lightning.
According to the National Weather Service, the odds of being struck by lightning in any given year are over one in one million. Approximately 10 percent of those struck by lightning do not survive. Safety guidelines recommend avoiding trees, golf carts, water, and golf clubs if caught in a storm on a course.
